Milford Public School District Wins National BCME Music Award

Milford CT

20 April, 2021

9:50 PM

Description

Press release from Milford Public Schools: April 20, 2021 The Milford Public School district has received a Best Communities for Music Education designation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Now in its 22nd year, the BCME recognition is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. The recognition is given on behalf of the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation (NAMM), a leading non-profit organization that supports scientific research, philanthropy and public service programming in the world of music. To qualify for the designation, district officials answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas. In Milford, music education instruction is offered to all students, grades PK-12. The district offers a wide variety of music programming in general music, music technology, voice/chorus, instrumental, and orchestra/strings. Even during the past year while facing the pandemic, students have participated in music programming, with administrators and teachers reimagining how instruction could take place, albeit in an altered way. Additional consideration was given to the strong support of music education evidenced throughout the community. Examples of this included the annual Jay Rowe 'Smooth Jazz for Scholars' event, the robust performance offerings through the Milford Arts Council (MAC), and the community piano placed on the Milford Green for passersby to play, pre-COVID. Research unilaterally confirms that strong music and art programming in school districts provides a valuable way to keep students engaged in school. In fact, after two years of music education, researchers found that participants showed more substantial improvements in speech/language processing and in reading scores compared to their peers not involved in music programming. Studies also show that students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate from high school, but also to attend college. Amy Perras, Instructional Supervisor for music districtwide, was thrilled to hear the news and was quick to acknowledge the entire Milford community and the roles they play in support of the MPS music program. "This recognition confirms what I've known all along – we have an inspirational and talented staff, an engaged and vibrant student community, and supportive parents and community members. This award would not have been possible without this incredible show of commitment and support." Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anna Cutaia was pleased to learn of the award. "The efforts and skill of our students and staff are of the highest caliber. Winning this recognition as a community is well earned." This press release was produced by Milford Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author's own.